|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 27
Enthusiast
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 27 |
Hello everyone,I am new with this recording stuff and would like to purchase a audio interface to run in BIAB.My main use is to produce backing tracks to play by bass to.I have a Fender p-bass with passive pickups and a 5 banger with active pickups.Do I need to be concerned on what interface model purchase with these different type of pickups? I have been looking at the Focusrite models. I dont know,what I dont know!!I would like to keep the price between 2 and 3 hundred bucks,not sure I need to spend that.
Thank you.
BIAB 2020 Ultrapak HP Elitebook 8770W Intel I7 2.3GHz 12GB
Windows 10pro 64Bit
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,645
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,645 |
focusrite scarlet is a good option. I've used focusrite for many years with total satisfaction in the job it does. Very low latency.
Be sure it has phantom power, built in audio preamps, and uses ASIO drivers. (no codecs, and other proprietary software drivers.)
Presonus, M-Audio, Roland, are also good options. The interface is the heart of your studio so be willing to get a good one.
Also... consider a decent condenser mic... not a USB model. Then, a decent pair of studio monitors will get you where you need to be. Total budget can be under $800 for all the parts.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 111
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 111 |
Hi Props2, Another vote here for Focusrite interfaces. In the past years I have used many audio interfaces including the Edirol(Roland) and M-Audio. Currently using the Focusrite 18i20 (18 inputs - 20 outputs) The Focusrite Scarlett range starts with just 2 inputs and 2 outputs(stereo) upwards so depending on your recording requirements (how many tracks you wish to record at one time you may be able to work with less channels) My Focusrite has been very reliable so far and latency is low. Excellent advice above from Guitarhacker. Having used budget USB mics I would certainly agree that you should spend as much as possible on a good quality conventional all rounder studio condenser mic. Quality makes look after you when it comes to reliability. Good luck with your search  Kev.
BIAB 2022 PLUSPAK (ext HD), 49PAKs, STYLESPAKs 1 - 6, Win 7 64bit PC, REAPER, Ozone, Adobe Audition CS6, EZ Drummer3 + EZ Keys,Soundcraft MTK22, Behringer X Touch Universal Controller,, SE Gemini/Rode NT2/Neumann/Shure mics
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 27
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 27 |
Thank you both,for your answers.My original question was,well...not well thought out. So maybe I should reword this.
Is the passive pickups on my bass a hi-Z input?
Is the active pickups(9v battery powered)also hi-Z?
Do I need to be careful what I buy or do all the new interfaces cover the gamet of inputs.
BTW,I will not be using a mic for anything...I would scare myself!
Can I assume the interface also drives the signal for a pair of self powered monitoring speakers? I was thinking something like JBL 6"or 8" for the desk.
BIAB 2020 Ultrapak HP Elitebook 8770W Intel I7 2.3GHz 12GB
Windows 10pro 64Bit
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,902
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,902 |
Thank you both,for your answers.My original question was,well...not well thought out. So maybe I should reword this.
Is the passive pickups on my bass a hi-Z input? Yes
Is the active pickups(9v battery powered)also hi-Z? No. Active pickups typically are line level.
Do I need to be careful what I buy or do all the new interfaces cover the gamet of inputs.
BTW,I will not be using a mic for anything...I would scare myself! Loaded question. Most interfaces have at least two inputs and can have as many as 48 or more. Some interfaces have just line inputs, some just microphone inputs and some a mixture of both. Some line level inputs have a control to switch between line level and high-z (high impedance) inputs.
Can I assume the interface also drives the signal for a pair of self powered monitoring speakers? I was thinking something like JBL 6"or 8" for the desk.Audio interfaces typically do not power speakers. Desktop speakers can be unpowered or self powered. The self powered speakers have a built-in amplifier. None of the Focusrite interfaces can power speakers.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 27
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 27 |
Thank you Jim for the reply. I need to get my head around this and maybe I am making this more complicated then it needs to be.Here is my scenario,
I like to play my bass to BIAB backing tracks that I have made and have the ability to record the bass on a track to critique my playing.Sometimes I play just to bassless online backing tracks.
When I am in playback mode I usually just output the laptop to my amp and use headphones, sometimes no headphones, but it seems the bass frequency and the music compete against one another even though it is a 500W 4-10 cabinet.It just don't sound that great.
At that point do I output the laptop to a pair of self powered studio monitors?
Will I get that sterile sound from studio monitors?
Is a laptop sound card good enough for this setup? I am thinking there has to be a better way.I dont mind spending the cash for the proper stuff.
Or...Do I rip out my big Yamaha sound system in the tv room and put in my music room. (The kids would get me in the middle of the night):)
BIAB 2020 Ultrapak HP Elitebook 8770W Intel I7 2.3GHz 12GB
Windows 10pro 64Bit
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,645
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,645 |
Jim answered the questions well.
My Focusrite has a button on the input of each channel that lets me choose line level or instrument level.
One bit of advice regardless of anything else..... ALWAYS turn the level control DOWN to zero on the channel when you plug something else in. Then, you turn it up as needed. You probably know that but it's amazing how easy it is to forget that and end up damaging something because the new source was overloading the input.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,290
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,290 |
+1 to Herb's last advice. This is especially true if you have phantom power turned on.
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 1,114
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 1,114 |
Hi I use the Akai EIE PRO As it is 24 bit, the basic model the Red one is 16bit     The vu meters are excellent and light up bright red on clipping you wont miss it.. It has many features you will not find on many other audio interfaces like 4 send and return skts and control room monitoring. Probably best to have a look at this dealer review below give you an idea.if you don’t know it, Lots of other info on Google, http://www.dawsons.co.uk/blog/akai-eie-and-akai-eie-pro-audio-interfacesbest regards Mike
BIAB2021 UltraPlus,AsusN55S1Tbssd, W10/64,Akai EIEpro Yamaha CVP405,SquireStrat, CoolsoftVMidSynth Novatation Impulse61 Ctr kbd, Cwalk blab Kontakt http://mikesmusic.byethost16.com/
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,902
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,902 |
Thank you Jim for the reply. I need to get my head around this and maybe I am making this more complicated then it needs to be.Here is my scenario,
I like to play my bass to BIAB backing tracks that I have made and have the ability to record the bass on a track to critique my playing.Sometimes I play just to bassless online backing tracks.
When I am in playback mode I usually just output the laptop to my amp and use headphones, sometimes no headphones, but it seems the bass frequency and the music compete against one another even though it is a 500W 4-10 cabinet.It just don't sound that great.
At that point do I output the laptop to a pair of self powered studio monitors?
Will I get that sterile sound from studio monitors?
Is a laptop sound card good enough for this setup? I am thinking there has to be a better way.I dont mind spending the cash for the proper stuff.
Or...Do I rip out my big Yamaha sound system in the tv room and put in my music room. (The kids would get me in the middle of the night):) Personally, I wouldn't think any (no brand specified) 500W bass amplifier pushing a four speaker cabinet would sound good in any household setting. You'd have to keep the volume turned down so low it would sound like blah.  But that's another discussion altogether. Conversely if you connected your laptop and bass to your Yamaha sound system in the tv room the bass likely wouldn't sound right. So your ideal audio interface has: 1) at least one high impedance, or high-z, instrument input 2) receives digital or analog audio from a pc 3) direct monitoring that eliminates latency so pc and bass audio can be played together 4) a blend control to listen to either the bass or pc audio or blend them together 5) headphone output and 6) external speaker output. Note: You really want to be able to blend everything together so your (one channel) bass is sent evenly to both outputs. Your ideal speakers are likely a 2 + 1 self powered configuration where you have two desktop speakers providing mid and high frequency directional audio and a separate sub woofer for the bass frequencies. It will be helpful if the speaker system has frequency adjustments built-in so you can adjust the sound to match what you hear with headphones. Pricey at $699 but +++ this Blue Sky eXo2 Stereo System +++ is an example of what's available.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 27
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 27 |
Thank you all for your time and answers. Jim,your explanation hit the nail on the head.The hunt on these items moves forward.
BIAB 2020 Ultrapak HP Elitebook 8770W Intel I7 2.3GHz 12GB
Windows 10pro 64Bit
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,368
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,368 |
A decent monitor system is not 'pricey' at $699, in my opinion.
We paid more for our Blue Sky 2.1 system many years ago, no complaints.
We use them with a couple other JBL and MX-Audio monitor systems to compare.
I can't vouch for this particular model, but the Blue Sky's we have were worth every penny. We abuse them sometimes to be honest, but they have lasted many years and worked great.
When you hear things right it saves money, time, aggravation and that stuff pays for itself.
Good pre-amps and good monitors are good investments.
They improve the end result more than the software used or other aspects. At least in my experience/opinion.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 27
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 27 |
Thank you rharv for that opinion. Looks like a nice setup. I have my eyes on the Focal Alpha 50 which get great reviews also and would not kill the bank at 600 a pair.For my small 12x12 music room,that would be sufficient.Now I just need to find a decent interface which I am thinking rack mount.Not that I need all the I/O,But the desk is setup for rack mounts so that may help with clutter.So, any input on a $600 or so rack mount interface that will do the job of making all this work would be great(and sound good with room to grow). Again,its just me...the bass and the band(BIAB).Oh and a Budweiser to smooth things over.:)
BIAB 2020 Ultrapak HP Elitebook 8770W Intel I7 2.3GHz 12GB
Windows 10pro 64Bit
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,368
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,368 |
For an audio interface in that price range; Scarlet 18i20.
These days that would be where I'd start
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 111
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 111 |
+1 on that! The 18i20 would certainly more than cover your current requirements and leave you plenty of scope for expansion. You will see from the focusrite blurb at: https://us.focusrite.com/usb-audio-interfaces/scarlett-18i20it is rack mountable. The front and rear panels cover pretty much all types of impedance inputs you will need (high z, low z using combination XLR and 1/4" Jack sockets with further pad switches to moderate high signals. If you look at the rear panel in detail you will see that outputs 1 & 2 (highlighted white) are dedicated to line outputs to your powered monitors. Also shown are other models with less ins and outs if you feel that 18i20 is overkill but these are free standing units.
BIAB 2022 PLUSPAK (ext HD), 49PAKs, STYLESPAKs 1 - 6, Win 7 64bit PC, REAPER, Ozone, Adobe Audition CS6, EZ Drummer3 + EZ Keys,Soundcraft MTK22, Behringer X Touch Universal Controller,, SE Gemini/Rode NT2/Neumann/Shure mics
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 20,714
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 20,714 |
I agree
One of my units is an 18i20
It definitely does deliver the goods.
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Win 10 Professional, Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5,875
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5,875 |
I think the 18i20 might be a little overkill! 18 inputs and 20 outputs when all he wants it for is to plug his bass guitar into.
I'm running the 2i4 here, great little unit that is perfect for plugging my guitars, bass, and keyboards into. Plus a mic the odd times I do that.
Even that is probably more than he needs, the 2i2 or even the solo with one input would be fine.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 23,933
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 23,933 |
I think the 18i20 might be a little overkill! 18 inputs and 20 outputs when all he wants it for is to plug his bass guitar into.
I'm running the 2i4 here, great little unit that is perfect for plugging my guitars, bass, and keyboards into. Plus a mic the odd times I do that.
Even that is probably more than he needs, the 2i2 or even the solo with one input would be fine. I agree with Dave. Props 2 can purchase a shelf for his rack and place the 2i4 on it. That will work and save him some money.
It takes courage for a man to admit his wife was wrong.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,368
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,368 |
His request (asking me): any input on a $600 or so rack mount interface that will do the job of making all this work would be great(and sound good with room to grow) Sound good with room to grow. Under $600 Rack Mount He has $600 to spend, and wants something with good quality that will work reliably and have 'room to grow'. He'll still have money left over and a nice interface that meets the requested options with the 18i20. . if he went with a 2i4 he may be unplugging/plugging things in constantly, or worse yet run out of inputs some day when a few buddies show up to record. The 18i20 (in his budget) does not have as many limitations and suits his specs nicely. My humble opinion.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 27
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 27 |
You are absolutely correct. Room to grow,I hate buying things twice. I have taken all your advice and ordered the 18i20 with a pair of Focal Alpha 50.I have a spare 15 Rythmik sub and a 10"super cube laying around if I feel like it needs a sub.This will get me started....who knows what this disease brings next. Thank you all.
BIAB 2020 Ultrapak HP Elitebook 8770W Intel I7 2.3GHz 12GB
Windows 10pro 64Bit
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows is Here!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows is here and it is packed with major new features! There’s a new modern look, a GUI redesign to all areas of the program including toolbars, windows, workflow and more. There’s a Multi-view layout for organizing multiple windows. A standout addition is the powerful AI-Notes feature, which uses AI neural-net technology to transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI—entire mixes or individual instruments—making it easy to study, view, and play parts from any song. And that’s just the beginning—there are over 60 new features in this exciting release.
Along with version 2026, we've released an incredible lineup of new content! There's 202 new RealTracks, brand-new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two new RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until December 31, 2025. Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page to explore all available upgrade options.
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
Our Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK are loaded with amazing add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is included with most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49. Browse the full contents of each package and listen to demos here.
XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!
XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!
The XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs special offers are now available until August 31st at 11:59pm PDT!
Ready to take your Band-in-a-Box® 2025 experience to the next level? Now’s the perfect time! Expand your style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs—packed with a wide variety of genres to inspire your next musical creation.
What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-9 includes 900 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). With over 3,500 styles (and 35 MIDI styles) included in Xtra Styles PAKs 1-20, the possibilities are endless!
Get the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Windows or for Mac.
Note: XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Get Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 19 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Listen to demos and order now! For Windows or for Mac.
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Don’t miss this chance to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box setup—at a great price!
Mac 2025 Special Upgrade Offers Extended Until August 15th!
It's not too late to upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® and save! We've extended our special until August 15, 2025!
We've added many major new features to Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, including advanced AI tools like the amazing BB Stem Splitter and AI Lyrics Generator, as well as VST3 plugin support, and Equalize Temp. Plus, there’s a new one-stop MIDI Patches Picker with over 1,100 MIDI patches to choose from, all neatly categorized by GM numbers. The MultiPicker Library is enhanced with tabs for the SongPicker, MIDI Patch Picker, Chord Builder, AI Lyrics Generator, and Song Titles Browser, and the tabs are organized into logical groups. The Audiophile Edition is enhanced with FLAC files , which are 60% smaller than AIFF files while maintaining identical audio quality, and now ships on a fast 1TB SSD, and much more!
Check out all the new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® here:
Purchase your Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac during our special to save up to 50% off your upgrade purchase and receive a FREE BONUS PAK of amazing new Add-ons. These include the 2025 RealCombos Booster PAK, Look Ma! More MIDI 13: Country & Americana, Instrumental Studies Set 22: 2-Hand Piano Soloing - Rhythm Changes, MIDI SuperTracks Set 44: Jazz Piano, Artist Performance Set 17: Songs with Vocals 7, Playable RealTracks Set 4, RealDrums Stems Set 7: Jazz with Mike Clark, and more!
Upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and add 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and 20 RealStyles, FLAC Files for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks, Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster, MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster, Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8, and RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe.
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,173
Posts789,286
Members39,832
| |
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean